Summer Reads

Reading is the ultimate adventure. You can travel all over the world without leaving the comfort of your home. I am truly grateful to my parents for encouraging me to read as a young child. Although their schedules didn't always allow them to hide away in a good book, they made sure that I had the opportunity to lose myself in a story. In our household, Summers were for reading and countless trips to the library. There was something so enchanting about sitting in front of the large windows while the sun set over the Hudson River.

As I get older, I’ve realized that the unlimited time that I used to have as a child is no longer a luxury. Gone are the days when I can spend 20 something hours engaged in a book. I know that most of us can relate. However, now that many of us have had nothing but time during this pandemic, we have the chance to catch up on some reading. We make time for the things that are important to us. If learning new things or exploring stories is something you love, then you’ll make time.

Finding new books to read can be challenging and at times overwhelming. I get it, by the time you’ve gone through the trouble of finding the right book you’re too dang tired to open it lol. This is when you come up with a plan. Use your resources!!! If you’re anything like me, then your network of peeps love to read and will recommend bomb books that may spark your interests. Asking a friend for book recommendations is is usually my top choice, because I know I will get an honest opinion. Another option is searching for book lists on the internet. One benefit is that you can search based on themes, topics, authors, etc. For example my search for Black female authors have led me to some amazing stories and dynamic writers such as Haitian author Edwidge Danticat.

However you decide to go about finding Summer reads is totally up to you. Just don’t let the summer (or the year for that matter) pass you by without picking up a book. Reading is essential at every age and stage.

Here is a list of books ( In no particular order) that have captivated me over the past few years and in recent months.

1. The Color of Water by James McBride

2. The Dew Breaker by Edwidge Danticat

3. Brother, I’m Dying by Edwidge Danticat

4. Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson

5. Rising Strong by Brené Brown

6. The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

7. The Shack by William P. Young

8. Eve by William P. Young

9. Lost & Found by Sarah Jakes Roberts

10. The Resolution for Women by Priscilla Shirer

11. Assata by Assata Shakur

12. Angela Davis An Autobiography

13. The Autobiography of Malcom X As Told To Alex Haley

14. Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy Leary

15. I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

16. The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

17. Single, Married, Separated, & Divorced by Dr. Myles Munroe

Happy Reading!!!!!

with joy,

Raquel